10 Essential Office Supplies for Your New Private Practice

It’s actually happening -- you’ve rented your office, picked out some furniture, hung your diplomas, and added some art to the walls. You’ve probably already ordered your pens and paper and other essentials but there are also a number of less obvious supplies -- available at your local discount store -- that you might not yet have in your toolkit.  

Here are a few that I have found indispensable over time:

1. Candles with matches.


2. Flashlights with batteries.


Don’t be left in the dark! I speak from experience when I say the electricity will go out more often than you think! These items will allow you to reassure clients, take the outage in stride and continue the session. Many landlords of commercial property prefer don’t allow candles, and day-to-day I follow the rules, but without a window, when my office is dark, it’s dark -- and they are more comforting and reassuring for clients so I keep them out of sight, but within easy reach. A flashlight is good for finding the breaker box. (Side note: be sure you know where your breaker box is!)

3. Pens and paper for both you and your client 


When your patient wants to jot down some reading you’ve just recommended, or needs to write a reminder of something - it’s there, with no shuffling or searching. For my own notes, I like to have a rainbow assortment of pen colors, which I use to make different topics pop off the page -- I take pride in remembering their personal stories (and their pets’ names) from session to session and through the years! 

4. Tissues and more tissues


Many “what-to-buy” lists will include a box of tissues. I’m here to tell you that one box is not enough - make it more like four. And then have eight more in your supply closet. Put them on both sides of the couch, on the coffee table and on your desk. Just… trust me on this. Clients use them for everything, from eating to wiping their glasses, on top of the fact that almost every client cries for a second or two each session -- I actually also have Wet n Wild wipes available for  mascara removal so clients don’t leave your office feeling self-conscious.

5. Treats and toys (and some childproofing) for children


Even if you don’t work with kids, there will come a day when a parent’s childcare has fallen through and they need to bring their kid to therapy. When this happens your patient may be feeling frazzled, and a treat and a toy will do more than keep their child occupied -- it will communicate a welcoming atmosphere to the parent, and they’ll feel cared for, calmer and more able to concentrate on your work together.

An addendum -- for toddlers, it’s good to have a few child-proofing supplies and a checklist to make quick and easy adjustments:  Electrical outlet protectors, some corner protectors for sharp edges (better yet, opt for furniture with rounded edges when possible, it’s better feng shui and inviting as well), rubber bands to keep cabinets closed, and removing any heavy objects or breakable objects off of low tables.

6. Treats and toys (and a water bowl!) for dogs


There will be patients who show up with dogs. The goal is to welcome them and have them contribute to the therapeutic environment. (If you don’t want animals in your space you need to make that very clear on your website and in your first email/call.) If you provide a treat and a comfortable space for them, dogs settle down pretty fast and show up as the emotional support animals their owners want them to be!

7. Treats and toys for adults


Candies or mints to comfort or adjust blood sugar, and some kind of “fidget toy” -- it might be a spinner or a Rubik’s Cube or smooth paper weights. I have a miniature Zen garden in my waiting room, with sand and rocks and a little rake. It looks nice on the table and the elements are grounding. I find that many patients use it without even realizing it. Most earth or water elements are therapeutic.

8. Paper goods / plastic cutlery -- plates, napkins


Some patients are seeing you on their meal breaks. It’s not ideal for some therapists but I truly don’t mind. I’d rather they eat than starve and be distracted! I even go the extra step and keep soy sauce and other condiments on hand, too.

9. Cleaning supplies


Lysol wipes aren’t just for pandemics. Did I mention the kids, the dogs, the tissues, the food  and candies? It’s nice to wipe down between clients.

10. Throw pillows with washable covers 


Patients can squeeze them when they feel anxious, put them behind their back to feel more comfortable, adjust them to give themself a sense of control. Perhaps they are more accessory than furniture, but it all makes your work easier. Go washable if you can, and assume you’re going to need to replace them every year or so!

Daily life is always happening, and we’re always working around it. The goal with so many items on this list is just to lessen the distractions where you can and keep the focus on the quality of your time together. 

Want to learn even more insider tips for opening your own private practice? Check out my new book, GetReal, GetGOING:The Definitive Roadmap to Starting the Private Practice of Your Dreams.